Who will win the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster? Our experts have their say

Saturday's Sky Bet Chase (3.15) at Doncaster promises to be as competitive as ever with 13 runners set to contest the valuable 3m handicap, including Rowland Meyrick winner Canelo, Ladbrokes Trophy second Aye Right and Cap Du Nord, second to Royale Pagaille last month. Three of our writers give their verdict on the potential outcome of the race . . .

Musical Slave could prove the better value bet

Cap Du Nord's second behind Royal Pagaille at Kempton over Christmas looks a special piece of form given how easily the winner won the Peter Marsh at Haydock on Saturday and Cap Du Nord pulled 19 lengths clear of third-placed Double Shuffle, who has also won since.

Cap Du Nord is probably thrown in after just a 6lb rise, but he hasn't been missed in the market and maybe Musical Slave could prove the better value bet at the current prices.

Musical Slave was third behind Caribean Boy and The Big Bite at Haydock last year over an inadequate 2m4f and those two are Graded chasers in the making. It was a rock-solid effort.

Musical Slave caught the eye with a strong-finishing second behind Sam's Adventure over 3m at Uttoxeter on his final start last season and wouldn't have been suited by the return to 2m4f at Newbury on his reappearance, but still came home well to take fifth behind Clondaw Castle.

There should be plenty of further improvement to come now he returns to 3m.

Graeme Rodway, tipster

Alan King can land another big Saturday prize

Alan King won the Sky Bet Chase with Ziga Boy in 2016 and the year after, and Canelo can deliver a knockout blow to his rivals this time round.

The eight-year-old has a career-high mark to defy, but his form reads 121 since being fitted with cheekpieces and he kept on well over 3m to win Wetherby's Rowland Meyrick last time.

This has been the plan since and Canelo pleased King when working last week, while Doncaster's long straight will suit the improving gelding, who struck on heavy ground at Huntingdon last year, so testing conditions ought not to be a problem either.

James Burn, Lambourn correspondent

Williams revival can continue in big handicap

Nick Williams' runners have not quite been firing as of yet but there was some sign of a revival last week with two winners and another running a good race. With that in mind, perhaps One For The Team can take a big step forward.

He has been running at a high level in novice company and there was no shame in losing out to some class rivals in the Kauto Star at Kempton last time in what looked a proper Grade 1 heat.

One For The Team had suggested he looked capable of developing into a fair staying chaser on two starts at Newbury – a far more suitable track and more similar to Doncaster. He also has form on soft ground and in big-field handicaps, albeit over hurdles. Off 10st 11lb, he makes plenty of appeal.

One For The Team, seen here finishing second to the classy Next Destination at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

If improvers are your thing, this seven-year-old certainly is one to watch. His bigger target might be the Ultima at the festival, a race the stable won in 2018, but this looks a fine opportunity.

Cap Du Nord has all the makings of a big Saturday handicap good-thing having run so well behind last week's sensational Peter Marsh winner Royale Pagaille at Kempton last time. He looks fairly treated by the handicapper but his price is too short for me.

James Stevens, reporter

Read more on the weekend's racing:

New rider booked for Santini as Nico de Boinville partners Shishkin at Doncaster

Cheltenham's Trials day card set for Friday afternoon inspection

Santini entered in Haydock Grand National Trial as Henderson keeps options open

Five horses who will thrive on the soft ground at Cheltenham on Saturday

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